Crash Investigation Continues

Speed, Mechanical Failure Ruled Out As Factors In May 5 Firetruck Accident

June 03, 2006|By GREGORY SEAY; Courant Staff Writer

NEW HARTFORD — Speed and mechanical failure were not factors in a May 5 firetruck accident that seriously injured one of the six firefighters aboard, police said Friday.

The 1991 Spartan Motors Custom Cab firetruck veered off the road and hit two trees along Bruning Road-Route 202 around 4:45 p.m. as it was returning to the station from an aborted fire call, said New Hartford Resident Trooper Dan Janco, who is investigating.

Janco said his preliminary report, which includes statements from eyewitnesses, does not recommend charges against the driver of the firetruck, which was destroyed in the accident.

Five firefighters, three of them teenage fire cadets, were treated for minor injuries after the accident.

A sixth firefighter, Richard Marcus, 54, who was a front-seat passenger, suffered neck injuries and remains in a cast, Janco said.

Janco said his investigation has determined the firetruck's right front tire got caught in the soft shoulder of the narrow roadway, causing the vehicle to veer into the trees.

The trooper said the driver reported that he steered the truck to the edge of the road to make room for an oncoming vehicle.

Janco said he hopes to complete his report within a week by getting additional witness statements and by locating and interviewing the driver of the oncoming vehicle referred to by the firetruck driver.

Meanwhile, First Selectman William Baxter said recently that the loss of the firetruck has not compromised local fire safety.

Baxter said the town is relying on a backup firetruck and aid from neighboring communities.

Anyone with information about the accident can contact the resident trooper's office at 860-379-8621.